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Director-General Visit to Belarus to Celebrate 60th Anniversary of Membership to UNESCO

On 18 April, the Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, visited the Republic of Belarus on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of its entry into UNESCO.

Irina Bokova participated in the Ceremonial Meeting of the National Commission of the Republic of Belarus, in the presence of Mr Tozik, Vice Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus and Mr Boris Svetlov Minister of Culture of the Republic of Belarus.The ceremony took place in the ultra modern national library, with members of the National Commission, UNESCO Chairs and many partners and collaborators of UNESCO.

The Director-General stated, “For 60 years, Belarus and UNESCO have worked together, and today, our partnership is deep and wide.”

“This anniversary is a moment of renewal,” she continued. “And we will continue to work together, to build a more peaceful and sustainable international order, a better future for all, at this time when we are shaping a new global agenda to follow 2015.”

Irina Bokova also met with Belarusian UNESCO Clubs and Associated Schools, and was given a full sampling of the activities, work and enthusiasm of young women and men in Belarus for the ideals of UNESCO.

"This is UNESCO in action," said Irina Bokova. "Your energy, your vision, your engagement are essential to our work, to translating the ideals of the Organization into practice, and for this I am deeply grateful."

During the visit, Irina Bokova met with HE Mr Alexander Grigoryevich Lukashenko, President of the Republic of Belarus.

The Director-General met also with the Prime Minister of Belarus, H.E. Mr. Mikhail Myasnikovich, along with the Ministers responsible for relations with UNESCO, including members of the National Commission of Belarus to UNESCO.

On the same day, the Director General of UNESCO gave a speech at the State University of Belarus, on the theme of a New Humanism, before a packed auditorium of students.

“Sustainability has deeper roots than economic assets,” she said. “It is about enhancing the rights and dignity of every woman and man.”

“This is UNESCO’s message today,” she continued, “and this is what I mean by calling for a new humanism – this idea has ancient roots, but the context is new and urgent.”